Irene Decided to Die - Chapter 189
“Master Milli, you shouldn’t wander too far yet.”
The one who stopped Milli, eager to explore every corner of the temple, was Alfonso, the knight who had been with him since childhood.
“Isn’t the temple supposed to be a place where everyone can roam freely?”
“That was true in the past. But ever since the heretic attacks, the atmosphere has become more cautious. So for now, please remain calm.”
“I’ve always been calm!”
Alfonso chuckled softly at Milli’s words, knowing full well his playful nature.
“Alright, I’ll trust you.”
Since the loyal knight had said he trusted him, Milli had no choice but to restrain himself. It seemed he would have to wait for the right moment. Just then, the entrance of the building became busy, as if someone important had arrived.
Milli exchanged glances with Alfonso, who nodded.
The King of the North, Burt, had arrived. When Milli saw him in person, he was awestruck, his mouth slightly agape. Burt was taller and more solidly built than Alfonso, possessing all the qualities of a knight. But that wasn’t all.
His finely chiseled features naturally drew the attention of those around him.
‘I want to be like that.’
With a heart pounding in excitement, Milli approached him.
“And who are you?”
“Greetings, I am Milli, newly appointed as the king’s successor.”
Upon becoming the king’s successor, one must discard their former surname. Milli adjusted his greeting accordingly, and Burt smiled gently. He had always been said to be as cold as a northern wind, but that didn’t seem to be the case now. His smile was remarkably natural.
“So, you’re that child. Did you have any difficulties getting here?”
“None at all!”
Milli responded loudly.
“I’m glad to hear that. We’ll hold the official successor appointment ceremony here, so rest well until then.”
“Yes!”
Milli wanted to continue talking with Burt, but soon the crowd of elder nobles swarmed in, pushing him aside. All of them were part of the group that was not pleased with Milli becoming the successor.
“Lord Burt!”
“Your Majesty!”
They clung to Burt, demanding to know why he had suddenly chosen a successor. Though their attitude was somewhat rude, Burt didn’t get angry. He understood their concerns.
“It’s better to have a successor ready in case anything happens.”
“In case of what?”
“In case I die.”
Milli, who had been eavesdropping from a short distance, was shocked. The King of the North, who seemed invincible, was speaking of death?
“Why? Why would the King of the North die?”
He asked Alfonso, but Alfonso also seemed to be unaware of the situation. Milli bit his nails nervously, but then an idea came to him.
“The king’s successor is supposed to follow the king and learn from him!”
“Master Milli?”
“Alfonso, I’m going to the king.”
With determination, Milli loudly called out from behind the group still pestering Burt.
“Lord Burt! As the king’s successor, I request your guidance!”
The surrounding area momentarily fell silent at his bold declaration.
“Very well.”
Burt accepted Milli’s request. He approached Milli naturally and led him outside. The nobles, realizing what had happened, tried to follow, but they were stopped at the entrance.
The paladins stood in their way, politely but firmly telling them that any further outings would have to wait.
“Thanks to you, I managed to escape.”
Burt said, glancing at those left behind as he expressed his gratitude to Milli.
“So, what is it that my successor is curious about?”
It seemed Burt knew that Milli’s request for guidance wasn’t purely academic.
“Well…”
Milli hesitated for a moment. Was it right for someone as young and inexperienced as him to ask such a great king why he was thinking about death?
“You won’t be punished for asking anything.”
“Why are you talking about death?”
Milli gathered his courage and asked.
“Talking about death, huh?”
Burt paused, his expression contemplative.
“It’s not that I will die soon. But someone incredibly precious to me could die at any moment. A life without her holds no meaning for me, so I must be prepared for death as well.”
Milli was deeply moved by Burt’s serious answer, and he had a strong suspicion of who that “precious person” was.
‘It must be the saintess.’
Rumors had spread even to the northern lands. It wasn’t hard to figure out for whom Burt was willing to go to such lengths.
“Do you love her very much?”
“Yes.”
Though Milli was too young to fully understand the kind of love that would make someone give up a throne, he could tell that Burt looked content in his decision. That was enough for him to admire.
Just then, a few figures appeared in the distance at the edge of the garden.
“Irene.”
Burt’s expression changed the moment he saw her.
‘Ah, so that’s the face of someone in love.’
